Doctors need to increase their awarenessAndrea Cooper, 52, of Phoenix, Md., who suffers from fibromyalgia and spinal degeneration, has felt the stigma of narcotic use. "The last pain specialist I had, I just hated it. There were signs up all over the office about rules and limitations. All about being suspicious of the patients. Not the way medicine ought to be practiced. I found it insulting."

Adds Jan, 45, a chronic pain sufferer in Boulder, Colo.: "I think doctors have to be able to distinguish between the people who can handle it and those who can'tand help the people who can."

If you're having difficulties with your doctorIf a physician, for whatever reason, is uncomfortable writing prescriptions for opioidswhether it's a new prescription or a refillpatients can ask for a referral to a pain specialist. Pain specialists can also be located through online directories below.